10 Differences Between Pecan Pie and Southern Pecan Pie

What’s the difference between pecan pie and southern pecan pie? I’m glad you asked!

Alright, y’all, gather ’round! Let me tell you about the time I made it my mission to uncover the difference between pecan pie and Southern pecan pie.

North vs South: The 10 Differences Between Pecan Pie and Southern Pecan Pie

I decided to investigate–and I can tell you there’s a world of difference between a regular pecan pie and what Southerners call pecan pie.

Bourbon: Southern pecan pies often include a splash of bourbon. I spiked a pecan pie with bourbon (for research purposes) and this one checks out!
Sweetener: Southern versions typically use dark corn syrup or sorghum syrup. Karo high fructose corn syrup is also typically found in Southern pecan pie recipes.
Sweetness: Southern pecan pie is usually much sweeter overall than regular pecan pie.
Pecan presentation: In Southern pies, whole pecan halves are often arranged in a pattern on top, rather than chopped and mixed into the filling.
Toasted pecans: Many Southern recipes call for toasting the pecans before adding them to the pie, enhancing their nutty flavor.
Cultural significance: Pecans are native to the South. And pecan pie is deeply rooted in Southern tradition.
“Pecan” pronunciation: Northerners often pronounce “pecan” differently than southerners. Scroll ahead for more.
Texture: The filling in Southern pecan pie might be more gooey or have a specific consistency due to cooking techniques.
Butter content: Southern recipes may use slightly more butter in the filling for richness.
Recipe variations: Southern pecan pie has inspired numerous variations, including chocolate pecan pie, bourbon pecan pie, and sweet potato pecan pie.

Pecan Pronunciation (Yankee vs Southern)

How you pronounce “pecan” depends on where you hail from.

Up in New York, we Yankees pronunce it ‘pee-can’. The most common Southern pronunciation of the word pecan is ‘pih-kahn’.

I mean, I will admit y’all got us on the pronunciation of pecan. ‘Pih-kahn’ does sound more hospitable.

No matter how to slice it (or pronounce it) pecan pie is an ooey gooey delicious dessert.

Related: 72 Southern Pie Recipes

Southern Pecan Pie Sweetness

As one Southern baker’s saying goes, pecan pie should be “sweet enough so that the fillings in your teeth hurt”.

That said, the intense sweetness of Southern pecan pie is considered a defining characteristic that sets it apart. Based on my research, here are the key points about the sweetness level of Southern pecan pie.

Southern pecan pie is typically much sweeter than other regional variations.
The increased sweetness in Southern pecan pie often comes from using more sugar and syrup in the filling. Southern recipes tend to use a higher ratio of sweeteners to other ingredients.
Many Southern recipes use dark corn syrup or sorghum syrup instead of light corn syrup, which contributes to a deeper, richer sweetness.
Some Southern versions may incorporate additional sweet elements like bourbon or rum, which can enhance the overall sweetness profile.
Non-Southern regional variations may aim for a more balanced sweetness, using less sugar or incorporating ingredients that offset the sweetness.

Ooey-gooey, sticky sweet Pecan Pie is one of my all-time favorite desserts for Thanksgiving and any day!

And while Southern pecan pie is generally known for being very sweet, I think it’s worth noting that there’s no strict definition of ‘Southern Pecan Pie’ versus ‘Pecan Pie’.

What are the most common Southern variations of pecan pie?

I think the beauty of pecan pie is its adaptability. Here are some more common variations I’ll have fun trying!

Texas Pecan Pie: Texans often put their own spin on pecan pie, sometimes incorporating ingredients like chocolate chips or bourbon.
Bourbon Pecan Pie: This version adds bourbon whiskey to the filling for a rich, boozy flavor.
Kentucky Derby Pie: Also known as Alice Colombo’s Race Day chocolate pecan pie, this variation includes chocolate chips, bourbon, and sometimes cornstarch to soften the top.
Butterscotch Pecan Pie: This version adds butterscotch chips and brown sugar to the traditional recipe.
Maple Pecan Pie: Popular in areas where maple syrup is produced, this variation uses maple syrup instead of corn syrup and may include almond extract.
Chocolate Pecan Pie: Chocolate chips or cocoa powder are added to the traditional filling for a decadent twist.
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie: Combines sweet potato pie and pecan pie for a uniquely Southern fusion.
Maple Pecan Pie: Uses maple syrup instead of or in addition to corn syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Brown Butter Pecan Pie: The butter is browned before adding to the filling, giving a nutty, caramel-like flavor.
Praline Pecan Pie: Incorporates elements of praline candy, often with a layer of praline on the bottom.
Buttermilk Pecan Pie: Adds tangy buttermilk to the filling for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Salted Caramel Pecan Pie: Includes salted caramel in the filling or as a topping.
Coconut Pecan Pie: Adds shredded coconut to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Honey Pecan Pie: Uses honey instead of or in addition to corn syrup for a different sweetness.
Whiskey Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie: This version adds chocolate chips and a few teaspoons of whiskey (often Jack Daniel’s) to the traditional recipe.
Sawdust Pie: While not strictly a pecan pie, this variation from Kentucky includes pecans along with coconut and graham cracker crumbs.

It all started when I set out to answer the age-old question: what’s the difference between pecan pie and Southern pecan pie?

Southern Pecan Pie FAQs

What state has the best pecan pie?

The official state pie of Texas is pecan pie. The pecan tree is also the official state tree of Texas.

Which is better light or dark corn syrup for Southern pecan pie?

Dark Karo Syrup provides a more robust flavor, while the Light Karo Syrup gives a more delicate vanilla flavor. It’s a matter of preference. Try both and decide which flavor profile you like best.